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North Korea: U.S. Relations, Nuclear Diplomacy, and Internal Situation [July 27, 2018]
"North Korea has posed one of the most persistent U.S. foreign policy challenges of the post-Cold War period due to its pursuit of proscribed weapons technology and belligerence toward the United States and its allies.[...] Efforts to halt North Korea's nuclear weapons program have occupied the past four U.S. Administrations, and North Korea is the target of scores of U.S. and United Nations Security Council sanctions. Although the weapons programs have been the primary focus of U.S. policy toward North Korea, other U.S. concerns include North Korea's illicit activities, such as counterfeiting currency and narcotics trafficking, small-scale armed attacks against South Korea, and egregious human rights violations. In 2018, the Trump Administration and Kim regime appeared to open a new chapter in the relationship. After months of rising tension and hostile rhetoric from both capitals in 2017, including a significant expansion of U.S. and international sanctions against North Korea, Trump and Kim held a leaders' summit in Singapore in June 2018. The meeting produced an agreement on principles for establishing a positive relationship. The United States agreed to provide security guarantees to North Korea, which committed to 'complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.' The agreement made no mention of resolving significant differences between the two countries, including the DPRK's ballistic missile program. Trump also said he would suspend annual U.S.-South Korea military exercises, labeling them 'provocative,' during the coming U.S.-DPRK nuclear negotiations. Trump also expressed a hope of eventually withdrawing the approximately 30,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chanlett-Avery, Emma; Manyin, Mark E.; Nikitin, Mary Beth Dunham . . .
2018-07-27
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Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs (Vol.3 No.5) [Special Issue: Quad Plus]
This 2020 "Quad Plus" special edition of the Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs contains the following articles: "Quad Plus" by Jagannath Panda; "'Sea Foam in the Ocean' or an 'Asian NATO'?" by Jeffrey Becker; "US-China Strategic Competition and Washington's Conception of Quad Plus" by Akriti Vasudeva; "Japan and the Quad Plus" by Hideshi Tokuchi; "A Quad Plus" by Miguel A. Hijar-Chiapa; "Whose Centrality?"; "Britain and the Quadrilateral" by John Hemmings and James Rogers; "South Korea's Perspective on Quad Plus and Evolving Indo-Pacific Security Architecture" by Kuyoun Chung; "Israel and Quad Plus" by Giuseppe Dentice; "France's Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Quad Plus" by Celine Pajon; "Quad-Plus?" by Stephen R. Nagy; "Brazil in the Quad Plus" by Dattesh Parulekar; "Russia and Quad Plus" by Anna Kireeva and Alexei Kupriyanov; "Indian Ocean Island States and the Quad Plus" by Nilanthi Samaranayake; " Connectivity and the Quad Powers: Revisiting History and Thought" by Lavanya Vemsani; "Realistic Expectations" by Amit Gupta; "The Middle East and the Quad Plus" by Brendon Cannon; and "Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran Triangularity and the Quad Plus" by Kenta Aoki.
Air University (U.S.). Press
2020
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Responsibility Determinations Under the Federal Acquisition Regulation: Legal Standards and Procedures [January 4, 2013]
"This report discusses the standards and procedures that federal agencies use in making responsibility determinations under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). As a general rule, government agencies contract with the lowest-priced (or best-value) qualified responsible bidder or offeror. Responsibility is an attribute of the contractor, while price and qualifications are attributes of the bid or offer. Under the FAR, '[n]o purchase or award shall be made unless the contracting officer makes an affirmative determination of responsibility.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Manuel, Kate
2013-01-04
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COVID-19: Role of the International Financial Institutions [May 4, 2020]
From the Document: "The international financial institutions(IFIs), including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and regional and specialized multilateral development banks, are mobilizing unprecedented levels of financial resources to support countries responding to the health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. [1] More than half of the IMF's membership has requested IMF support, and the IMF has announced it is ready to tap its total lending capacity, about $1 trillion, to support governments responding to COVID-19. [2] The World Bank has committed to mobilizing $160 billion over the next 15 months, and other multilateral development banks have committed to providing $80 billion during that time period. [and 3] At the urging of the IMF and the World Bank, the G-20 [group of twenty] countries in coordination with private creditors have agreed to suspend debt payments for low-income countries through the end of 2020. Policymakers are discussing a number of policy actions to further bolster the IFI response to the COVID-19 pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nelson, Rebecca M.; Weiss, Martin A.
2020-05-04
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Afghanistan: Background and U.S. Policy: In Brief [Updated May 1, 2020]
From the Summary: "Afghanistan was elevated as a significant U.S. foreign policy concern in 2001, when the United States, in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, led a military campaign against Al Qaeda and the Taliban government that harbored and supported it. In the intervening 18 years, the United States has suffered around 2,400 military fatalities in Afghanistan (including four in combat in 2020 to date) and Congress has appropriated approximately $137 billion for reconstruction there. In that time, an elected Afghan government has replaced the Taliban, and most measures of human development have improved, although future prospects of those measures remain mixed. The fundamental objective of U.S. efforts in Afghanistan is 'preventing any further attacks on the United States by terrorists enjoying safe haven or support in Afghanistan.' As of May 2020, U.S. military engagement in Afghanistan appears closer to an end, in light of the February 29, 2020, signing of a U.S.-Taliban agreement on the issues of counterterrorism and the withdrawal of U.S. and international troops, but questions remain."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
2020-05-01
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Iran's Foreign and Defense Policies [Updated April 29, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Successive U.S. Administrations have identified Iran as a key national security challenge. The Trump Administration has articulated its assessment of the threat posed by Iran in testimony by U.S. officials, statements, and reports such as an annual Defense Department report on Iran's military power required by successive National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs) and a September 2018 State Department report entitled 'Outlaw Regime: A Chronicle of Iran's Destructive Activities.' This report analyzes Iran's foreign and defense policies and capabilities to implement its policies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2020-04-29
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COVID-19: Potential Implications for International Security Environment-- Overview of Issues and Further Reading for Congress [Updated May 8, 2020]
From the Summary: "Some observers argue the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic could be a world-changing event with potentially profound and long-lasting implications for the international security environment and the U.S. role in the world. Other observers are more skeptical that the COVID-19 pandemic will have such effects. Observers who argue the COVID-19 pandemic could be world-changing for the international security environment and the U.S. role in the world have focused on several areas of potential change. [...] Issues for Congress may include whether and how the COVID-19 pandemic could change the international security environment, whether the Trump Administration's actions for responding to such change are appropriate and sufficient, and what implications such change could have for the role of Congress in setting and overseeing the execution of U.S. foreign and defense policy. Congress's decisions regarding these issues could have significant and even profound implications for U.S. foreign and defense policy, and for the status of Congress as a co-equal branch relative to the executive branch in setting and overseeing the implementation of U.S. foreign and defense policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; McInnis, Kathleen J.; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2020-05-08
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Immigration Policy on Expedited Removal of Aliens [Updated January 30, 2009]
From the Summary: "Expedited removal, an immigration enforcement strategy originally conceived to operate at the borders and ports of entry, is being expanded, raising a set of policy, resource, and logistical questions. Expedited removal is a provision under which an alien who lacks proper documentation or has committed fraud or willful misrepresentation of facts may be removed from the United States without any further hearings or review, unless the alien indicates a fear of persecution. Congress added expedited removal to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) in 1996, making it mandatory for arriving aliens, and giving the Attorney General the option of applying it to aliens in the interior of the country who have not been admitted or paroled into the United States and who cannot affirmatively show that they have been physically present in the United States continuously for two years. Until recently, expedited removal was only applied to aliens at ports of entry."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Siskin, Alison; Wasem, Ruth Ellen
2009-01-30
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COVID-19: Potential Implications for International Security Environment -- Overview of Issues and Further Reading for Congress [Updated May 28, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Some observers argue the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic could be a world-changing event with potentially profound and long-lasting implications for the international security environment and the U.S. role in the world. Other observers are more skeptical that the COVID-19 pandemic will have such effects. This report provides a brief overview of some potential implications the COVID-19 pandemic might have for the international security environment and the U.S. role in the world, and a bibliography of CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports and other writings for further reading. Issues for Congress may include whether and how the COVID-19 pandemic could change the international security environment, whether the Trump Administration's actions for responding to such change are appropriate and sufficient, and what implications such change could have for the role of Congress in setting and overseeing the execution of U.S. foreign and defense policy. Congress's decisions regarding these issues could have significant and even profound implications for U.S. foreign and defense policy, and for the status of Congress as a co-equal branch relative to the executive branch in setting and overseeing the implementation of U.S. foreign and defense policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; McInnis, Kathleen J.; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2020-05-28
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Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) [Updated June 10, 2020]
From the Overview: "The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is Southeast Asia's primary multilateral organization, a 10- member grouping of nations with a combined population of 650 million and a combined annual gross domestic product (GDP) of around $2.8 trillion in 2019. Established in 1967, it has grown into one of the world's largest regional fora, representing a strategically important region with some of the world's busiest sea lanes, including the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea. Taken collectively, ASEAN would rank as the world's fifth-largest economy and the United States' fourth-largest export market."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dolven, Ben
2020-06-10
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Congress and the War in Yemen: Oversight and Legislation 2015-2020 [Updated June 19, 2020]
From the Summary: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] report provides an overview of the role Congress has played in shaping U.S. policy toward the conflict in Yemen, with summary tables providing information on various legislative proposals considered in the 114th, 115th, and 116th Congresses. These proposals have reflected a range of congressional perspectives and priorities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sharp, Jeremy Maxwell; Blanchard, Christopher M.; Collins, Sarah R.
2020-06-19
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Iran: Internal Politics and U.S. Policy and Options [Updated May 20, 2020]
From the Document: "U.S.-Iran relations have been mostly adversarial since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, occasionally flaring into direct conflict while at other times witnessing negotiations or tacit cooperation on selected issues. U.S. officials have consistently identified Iran's support for militant Middle East groups as a significant threat to U.S. interests and allies, and Iran's nuclear program took precedence in U.S. policy after 2002 as that program advanced."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2020-05-20
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Teen Pregnancy: Federal Prevention Programs [Updated May 13, 2020]
From the Introduction: "Teen pregnancy is a major public health issue because of its high cost for families of teenage parents and society more broadly. In addition, teen pregnancy disproportionately affects certain racial and ethnic groups and selected states and territories. The teen birth rate has been in decline; however, given the consequences associated with teen births, Congress and the executive branch continue to support programs that focus on delaying sexual activity and preventing pregnancies among teenagers. [...] This report provides background on the role of Congress and the executive branch in preventing teen pregnancy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fernandes-Alcantara, Adrienne L.
2020-05-13
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Iran: Internal Politics and U.S. Policy and Options [Updated December 9, 2020]
From the Summary: "U.S.-Iran relations have been mostly adversarial since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, occasionally flaring into direct conflict while at other times witnessing negotiations or tacit cooperation on selected issues. U.S. officials have consistently identified the regime's support for militant Middle East groups as a significant threat to U.S. interests and allies, and limiting the expansion of Iran's nuclear program has been a key U.S. policy goal for nearly two decades. The Obama Administration engaged Iran directly and obtained a July 2015 multilateral nuclear agreement (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA) that exchanged sanctions relief for limits on Iran's nuclear program. The accord did not contain binding curbs on Iran's missile program or its regional interventions, or any requirements that the Iranian government improve its human rights practices. The Trump Administration criticized the JCPOA's perceived shortcomings and returned to prior policies of seeking to weaken Iran strategically. On May 8, 2018, the Administration announced it would no longer implement the U.S. commitments under the JCPOA and it re-imposed all U.S. secondary sanctions. The stated intent of the Trump Administration's 'maximum pressure' policy on Iran is to compel it change its behavior, including negotiating a new nuclear agreement that encompasses the broad range of U.S. concerns."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2020-12-09
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COVID-19: Potential Implications for International Security Environment -- Overview of Issues and Further Reading for Congress [Updated May 27, 2020]
From the Summary: "Some observers argue the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic could be a world-changing event with potentially profound and long-lasting implications for the international security environment and the U.S. role in the world. Other observers are more skeptical that the COVID-19 pandemic will have such effects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; McInnis, Kathleen J.; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2020-05-27
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COVID-19: Potential Implications for International Security Environment -- Overview of Issues and Further Reading for Congress [Updated May 4, 2020]
From the Summary: "Some observers argue the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic could be a world-changing event with potentially profound and long-lasting implications for the international security environment and the U.S. role in the world. Other observers are more skeptical that the COVID-19 pandemic will have such effects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; McInnis, Kathleen J.; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2020-05-04
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United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding of U.N. Peacekeeping [Updated November 2, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to United Nations (U.N.) peacekeeping activities. Congress authorizes and appropriates U.S. contributions, and it has an ongoing interest in ensuring such funding is used as efficiently and effectively as possible. The United States, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, plays a key role in establishing, renewing, and funding U.N. peacekeeping operations. For 2020, the United Nations assessed the U.S. share of U.N. peacekeeping budgets at 27.89%; however, since 1994 Congress has capped the U.S. payment at 25% due to concerns that U.S. assessments are too high. For FY2021, the Trump Administration proposed $1.07 billion for U.N. peacekeeping, a 29% decrease from the enacted FY2020 level of $1.52 billion."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2020-11-02
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Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [April 9, 2013]
"This report presents policy and oversight issues for Congress arising from (1) maritime territorial disputes involving China in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS) and (2) an additional dispute over whether China has a right under international law to regulate U.S. and other foreign military activities in its maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Some of these disputes have intensified in recent years, increasing their prominence as a factor in U.S. relations with China and other countries in the region, and prompting heightened attention from U.S. policymakers. Decisions that Congress makes on issues arising from these disputes could substantially affect U.S. political and economic interests in the Asia-Pacific region and U.S. military operations in both the Asia-Pacific region and elsewhere. As a basis for discussing the policy and oversight issues for Congress, this report first provides a brief overview of the maritime territorial and EEZ disputes involving China."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2013-04-09
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Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [October 22, 2012]
"This report presents policy and oversight issues for Congress arising from (1) maritime territorial disputes involving China in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS) and (2) an additional dispute over whether China has a right under international law to regulate U.S. and other foreign military activities in its 200-nautical-mile maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). […] Maritime territorial and EEZ disputes involving China in the SCS and ECS raise a number of policy and oversight issues for Congress, including the following: (1) the risk that the United States might be drawn into a crisis or conflict over a territorial dispute involving China, particularly since the United States has bilateral defense treaties with Japan and the Philippines; (2) the risk of future incidents between U.S. and Chinese ships and aircraft arising from U.S. military survey and surveillance activities in China's EEZ; (3) the impact of maritime territorial and EEZ disputes involving China on the overall debate on whether the United States should become a party to UNCLOS; (4) implications for U.S. arms sales and transfers to other countries in the region, particularly the Philippines, which currently has limited ability to monitor maritime activity in the SCS on a real-time basis, and relatively few modern ships larger than patrol craft in its navy or coast guard; (5) implications for the stationing and operations of U.S. military forces in the region, and for U.S. military procurement programs; (6) implications for interpreting the significance of China's rise as an economic and military power, particularly in terms of China's willingness to accept international norms and operate within an international rules-based order; (7) the impact on overall U.S. relations with China and other countries in the region; and (8) the effect on U.S. economic interests, including oil and gas exploration in the SCS and ECS by U.S. firms, and on international shipping through the SCS and ECS, which represents a large fraction of the world's seaborne trade. Decisions that Congress makes on these issues could substantially affect U.S. political and economic interests in the Asia-Pacific region and U.S. military operations in both the Asia-Pacific region and elsewhere."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2012-10-22
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Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [May 16, 2013]
"This report presents policy and oversight issues for Congress arising from (1) maritime territorial disputes involving China in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS) and (2) an additional dispute over whether China has a right under international law to regulate U.S. and other foreign military activities in its 200-nautical-mile maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). China is a party to multiple maritime territorial disputes in the SCS and ECS, including, in particular, disputes over the Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, and Scarborough Shoal in the SCS, and the Senkaku Islands in the ECS. Maritime territorial disputes involving China in the SCS and ECS date back many years, and have periodically led to incidents and periods of increased tension. The disputes have again intensified in the past few years, leading to numerous confrontations and incidents, and heightened tensions between China and other countries in the region, particularly Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2013-05-16
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Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [December 10, 2012]
"This report presents policy and oversight issues for Congress arising from (1) maritime territorial disputes involving China in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS) and (2) an additional dispute over whether China has a right under international law to regulate U.S. and other foreign military activities in its 200-nautical-mile maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2012-12-10
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Mexico-U.S. Relations: Issues for Congress [Updated January 22, 2007]
"The United States and Mexico have a special relationship as neighbors and partners under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Although relations with Mexico are generally friendly, the enactment of border fence legislation in October 2006 has caused some tension in the bilateral relationship. […] President Calderón was sworn into office on December 1, 2006. During his first weeks in office he has focused on law and order matters, beginning operations against drug cartels and extraditing 15 criminals to the United States on January 19, 2007. U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales praised the extraditions and has praised Calderón's efforts to combat the drug cartels. Drug violence and press freedom remain a concern. Migration and border security concerns have dominated the bilateral relationship in recent years. In September, Congress approved the Secure Fence Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-367) to authorize the construction of a border fence and other barriers along 700 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. In September 2006, Congress also approved initial funding for fence construction, $1.2 billion, through the FY2007 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act. Both the House and Senate approved immigration reform measures (H.R. 4437 and S. 2611, respectively) but did not meet in conference to resolve differences. Principal sticking points include the House provision that criminalizes unlawful presence and Senate provisions to adjust the status of certain illegal immigrants."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cook, Colleen W.
2007-01-22
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Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [August 9, 2013]
"This report presents policy and oversight issues for Congress arising from (1) maritime territorial disputes involving China in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS) and (2) an additional dispute over whether China has a right under international law to regulate U.S. and other foreign military activities in its 200-nautical-mile maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). China is a party to multiple maritime territorial disputes in the SCS and ECS, including, in particular, disputes over the Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, and Scarborough Shoal in the SCS, and the Senkaku Islands in the ECS. Maritime territorial disputes involving China in the SCS and ECS date back many years, and have periodically led to incidents and periods of increased tension. The disputes have again intensified in the past few years, leading to numerous confrontations and incidents, and heightened tensions between China and other countries in the region, particularly Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam. In addition to maritime territorial disputes in the SCS and ECS, China is involved in a dispute, particularly with the United States, over whether China has a right under international law to regulate the activities of foreign military forces operating within China's EEZ. The dispute appears to be at the heart of multiple incidents between Chinese and U.S. ships and aircraft in international waters and airspace in 2001, 2002, and 2009."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2013-08-09
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Maritime Territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes Involving China: Issues for Congress [July 5, 2013]
"This report presents policy and oversight issues for Congress arising from (1) maritime territorial disputes involving China in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS) and (2) an additional dispute over whether China has a right under international law to regulate U.S. and other foreign military activities in its 200-nautical-mile maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). China is a party to multiple maritime territorial disputes in the SCS and ECS, including, in particular, disputes over the Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, and Scarborough Shoal in the SCS, and the Senkaku Islands in the ECS. Maritime territorial disputes involving China in the SCS and ECS date back many years, and have periodically led to incidents and periods of increased tension. The disputes have again intensified in the past few years, leading to numerous confrontations and incidents, and heightened tensions between China and other countries in the region, particularly Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald
2013-07-05
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Iran's Foreign and Defense Policies [March 20, 2018]
"Successive Administrations have identified Iran as a key national security challenge, citing Iran's nuclear and missile programs as well as its long-standing attempts to counter many U.S. objectives in the region. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, in his February 13, 2018, annual worldwide threat assessment testimony before Congress, assessed that 'Iran will seek to expand its influence in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, where it sees conflicts generally trending in Tehran's favor...' and 'Iran will develop military capabilities that threaten U.S. forces and allies in the region...' Successive National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs) require an annual report on Iran's military power, which has in recent years contained assessments of Iran similar to those presented by the intelligence community."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2018-03-20
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Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 and an FY2019 Budget Resolution [April 10, 2018]
"The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (BBA 2018, P.L. 115-123), enacted February 9, 2018, amended the statutory discretionary spending limits for FY2018 and FY2019. BBA 2018 comprised several other components as well, one of which was related to a congressional budget resolution for FY2019. These BBA 2018 'budget resolution' provisions (which may be referred to as a 'deemer' or a budget resolution substitute) provide the House and Senate with enforceable levels of spending and revenue for FY2019 in ways that a 'traditional' budget resolution would. While it is not unusual for Congress to employ such budget resolution substitutes, these substitutes differ from a 'traditional' budget resolution in several ways."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lynch, Megan Suzanne
2018-04-10
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues in the 115th Congress [March 12, 2018]
"Geographic proximity has ensured strong linkages between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean, based on diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and the largest source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; geographic proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration trends. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than three decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing and currently focuses on Cuba and Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; DeBruyne, Nese F. . . .
2018-03-12
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Afghanistan: Background and U.S. Policy in Brief [April 3, 2018]
"The U.S. and Afghan governments, along with partner countries, remain engaged in combat with a resilient Taliban-led insurgency. U.S. military officials increasingly refer to 'momentum' against the Taliban, however, by some measures insurgents are in control of or contesting more territory today than at any point since 2001. The conflict also involves an array of other armed groups, including active affiliates of both Al Qaeda (AQ) and the Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIS, ISIL, or by the Arabic acronym Da'esh). Since early 2015, the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, known as 'Resolute Support Mission' (RSM), has focused on training, advising, and assisting Afghan government forces, although combat operations by U.S. counterterrorism forces, along with some partner forces, continue and have increased since 2017."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
2018-04-03
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Afghanistan: Background and U.S. Policy in Brief [March 5, 2018]
"Afghanistan has been a central U.S. foreign policy concern since 2001, when the United States, in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, led a military campaign against Al Qaeda and the Taliban government that harbored and supported Al Qaeda. In the intervening 16 years, the United States has suffered more than 2,000 casualties in Afghanistan (including 14 in 2017) and has spent more than $120 billion for reconstruction there. In that time, an elected Afghan government has replaced the Taliban, and nearly every measure of human development has improved, although future prospects of those measures remain mixed. U.S. policymakers routinely describe the war against the insurgency (which controls or contests nearly half of the country's territory, by Pentagon estimates) as a 'stalemate' and the Afghan government faces broad public criticism for its ongoing inability to combat corruption, deliver security, alleviate rising ethnic tensions, and develop the economy. The total number of U.S. troops in the country is reported as around 15,000, with the deployment of another 1,000 troops reportedly under consideration. This report provides an overview of current political and military dynamics, with a focus on the Trump Administration's new strategy for Afghanistan and South Asia, the U.S.-led coalition and Afghan military operations, and recent political developments, including prospects for peace talks and elections."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Thomas, Clayton (Analyst in Middle Eastern Affairs)
2018-03-05
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High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program [May 3, 2018]
"Drug trafficking is a significant public health and safety threat facing the United States. The federal government has taken a variety of actions aimed at countering this threat. These have ranged from giving law enforcement more tools for combatting traffickers to establishing programs and initiatives to reduce the supply of and demand for illegal drugs. Within the larger framework of the federal government's efforts to counter drug trafficking is the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. The program supports multiagency activities ranging from enforcement initiatives involving investigation, interdiction, and prosecution,to drug use prevention and treatment initiatives. [..] The HIDTA program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). However, each of the HIDTA regions is governed by its own Executive Board, which has the flexibility to design and implement initiatives that confront the specific drug trafficking threats in its region. [..] There are several issues that policymakers may consider when they debate the future of the HIDTA program. A prevailing issue will be how much funding to provide for the program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Finklea, Kristin M.
2018-05-03
